Your (Almost) Sober Guide to St. Patrick's Day in NYC ☘️🇮🇪🍻

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March has officially hit us here in NYC, and if you’re like any other American, then chances are you’re already being inundated with questions about your plans for St. Patrick's Day?

Historically speaking, the holiday commemorates the death of the foremost patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Made an official feast day in the 17th century, today’s celebrations include green tinted rivers and Guinness-dedicated drink specials.

Well, if you can’t bear another St. Patrick’s day full of bar hopping, followed by a 72-hour long hangover, then don’t worry because we have you covered.

Here is an unofficial guide for an awesome St. Paddy’s guide guaranteed to help you have a killer celebration, and wake up in the morning without the killer headache.

Have an Irish Dessert Bake-off

The Irish are known delicious dessert staples that you will enjoy (whether it’s eating or baking). If you’re gonna gain 3 lbs in one day, why not do it with some Irish-style baking, instead of with several shots of Jameson?

As a result of the Great Potato Famine, many Irish families immigrated to New York City during the late 19th century. The “Irish Outsider” tour at located in the Lower East Side gives an indepth look into how Irish immigrants lived during the 19th century.

merchantshouse
It is 1865 and mourners are gathering for the funeral of Seabury Tredwell, patriarch of the family. #merchantshouse #1865funeral #everyyear

The Merchant's House Museum, formerly known as the Old Merchant's House and as the Seabury Tredwell House, is the only nineteenth-century family home in New York City that is still completely intact (inside and out). The East Village time capsule employed a high number Irish immigrants and even offers a tour from the perspective from one of their previous employees, Bridget Murphy.

Both options offer a rich historical view, but if you’re more into spooky spirits, checkout the Merchant house for their St. Patrick’s Day Special Ghost Tour.

bigoniontours
Built between 1785 and 1789, No. 18 Bowery is the oldest remaining townhouse in Manhattan. The home rests on land that the original owner, Edward Mooney, a merchant, purchased after the American Revolution, when British Loyalist James DeLancey’s property was confiscated and sold at public auction (in 1785). Mooney lived in the house until his death in 1800, and in the 1820s the building ceased to be a public residence. It was converted into a tavern in the 1820s, and went through a series of different uses throughout the 20th century (it was, in turn, a hotel, poolroom, brothel, store, restaurant and a Chinese club). To learn more about the historic neighborhood and the different communities that have called the area around the Mooney House home since it’s construction in the 18th century, join us this Monday, February 5th @ 1:00 PM for our tour of “Immigrant New York.” #bigoniontours #edwardmooneyhouse #bowery #18thcentury #townhouse #federalstyle #georgianstyle #oldest #americanrevolution #historicbuilding #historicneighborhood #historylover #walkingtour

Large, loud crowds aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you want to get that outside St. Patrick’s day experience without all the noise, check out the more chill option with Lower Manhattan’s walking tour of the former “Little Ireland” district of the Lower East Side, located between City Hall and Houston Street.

For those afraid to venture further north to check out Little Ireland in Woodlawn Heights. Home to a large Irish and Irish American population, many families have lived in the area for generations creating a pocket of Irish culture.

deadrabbitnyc
Great Irish Pubs, no. 33, McLynn’s Sligo Town, Co. Sligo
Certainly there are older pubs and there are grander pubs. There are pubs with greater literary or architectural heritage. But we’re pretty sure there are none more comfortable.
Because McLynn’s manages to do that thing that only truly special pubs do: they make you feel as if you’ve been coming here all your life, even if it’s your first time. The place is instantly, immediately familiar somehow. (There may be some kind of sorcery involved, no-one’s really sure.) In the great tradition, this was of course once a spirit grocer – a food store with a separate pub counter. Eventually, one trade replaced the other. And the rest is glorious pub history.
Today it is run by Darragh McLynn, whose father Donal (aka The Dude), a successful folk singer, transformed it into a lively music pub that drew crowds every night. It’s a little quieter these days, but no less inviting, and a song is always welcome. You can expect an exceptionally fine pint, a good choice of whiskeys (including some rarities), and a story or two to take with you – along with a promise to yourself to return. Photo by @ehillphoto

The Dead Rabbit is an NYC Irish staple, garnering many awards, including 'Best Bar' multiple years in a row.

Be sure to try their famous butternut squash gnocchi, or lamb shepherd's pie! They don’t take reservations though, so be sure to give yourselves some extra waiting time.

Hartley’s is a cozy, Brooklyn pub that regardless of whether or not you’ve heard of, you’re gonna want to try. Their menu is full of authentic Irish goodies. Stop by for a snack of soda bread with Irish butter and house spiced beef to pair with your stout.